Apps are cheap and highly-useful gifts that can be used over and over again. If you haven't explored the app world yet, now is the perfect time to do so.

Instead of getting your significant other another book or candle, step out of the dark ages and into the ever-evolving world of technology. You'll be surprised by what you find.

As part of TravelPulse's running series, here are 10 apps you need to explore for the week of Dec. 16.

TripScope (iPhone, free)

TripScope makes it easier for travel professionals to effectively communicate with clients.

The free iPhone app allows agents to deliver detailed, customized itineraries to clients directly on their phones, while also providing geo-tagged, interactive city guides, complete with dining spots, tours and hotels. It also recommends destinations based on clients' interests and preferences.

Agents simply format and create the itineraries, city guides and maps on TripScope's website and the data will automatically be sent to the client's smartphone via the app.

Also, if the client shares it on social media, the agent's name will be automatically hyperlinked.

Add in push notification software and you have yourself a fine-looking app.

After three months in beta, TripScope has already signed 67 independent travel agencies and 17,000 agents.

Any.do (iPhone, Android, free)

Ever arrived to the airport and realized you forgot something important?

Another question: Who hasn't?

Well, the Any.do free iPhone and Android app prevents that from happening again.

Any.do is an intuitive management app that uses several means to keep you from forgetting little Bobby's Christmas present. It provides time and location-based reminders, so it will alert you when you are walking out the door or getting to the airport, per your request.

Any.do also allows you to call or email someone right from the app.

On Android phones, it books hotels through OLSET, a dictionary of four million sentiments across 60 attributes, picking the perfect hotel based on your preferences.

And, of course, you can organize your tasks in customizable folders, as well as sharing and delegating tasks with family members and travel companions.

LandID (iPhone, free)

While "selfies" surely seem to be a lot of fun for travelers, they don't exactly show others anything else but, you know, yourself.

LandID, on the other hand, is a free iPhone app that asks users to take pictures of their feet. Using this picture, LandID can located the exact geo-coordinates the photo was taken, as well as listing the time and and date.

This allows future generations to check into these spots, reading the stories of today tomorrow.

Also, using the built-in Foursquare, users can check out nearby places.

LandID frames can currently be shared via Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or email.

In the current version, LandID frames can be shared via Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or email. It also includes a "developer’s picks feed" that displays the most creative user-generated LandIDs.

City Maps 2Go (iPhone, Android, $2.99)

City Maps 2Go by Ulmon isn't exactly a new app, but it continues to not only update frequently, but update intelligently.

Version 5.3.1, produced on Nov. 27, has received reviews on par with the app's previous versions.

City Maps 2Go now offers 6,700 interactive offline maps, which keeps travelers from using precious data and expensive Wi-Fi abroad. It also provides 500,000 Wikipedia abstracts of sites and attractions, as well as travel guides.

You can even receive insider tips from other travelers, add your own pins to a map, create lists of your favorite places and find hotel ratings through Booking.com.

In fact, City Maps 2Go is so committed to providing the most extensive collection of offline maps in the world that it will immediately create maps it doesn't have for customers upon request.

Well, it appears as if Travel List has done its job, judging by most of the reviews from customers.

The app, designed for iPhone and iPad, allows you to create a packing list quickly, with preset categories available and room to create your own categories and items.

Travel List also provides alerts to remind you of important things, such as charging your camera's batteries every day. And no need to worry about traveling to different time zones—Travel List's built-in clock will change with the time zones.

This app isn't overly fancy, but it's practical and easy, which is what travelers tend to prioritize.

Printic (iPhone, free)

Ever since first appearing in late 2012, Printic has steadily gotten better. The latest version (1.7.1), released on Dec. 10, adds to that trend.

Printic is an iPhone photo app that has been lauded for its interface and ease of use. First, select any photos from your iPhone, Facebook or Instagram. Then, order and deliver polaroids straight to friends and family. You can even add personalized messages with your photos.

All photos are $0.99. Best of all, there are no shipping costs or hidden fees. They will be delivered within three days in North America and Europe, or at a later date of your choosing.

Photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Sebastiao Salgado have used the app.

WhatsApp (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone, Nokia, free)

WhatsApp uses your phone's Internet connection or Wi-Fi to send and receive messages, photos, audio files and video messages without the costly use of SMS. There are no hidden costs and the app is free for the first year ($0.99 per year after that).

WhatsApp also allows for group conversations and there are no international charges as long as your friends have the app installed. Offline messages are saved.

On top of that, WhatsApp is available on iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone and Nokia phones, and supports more than 30 languages.

Refresh (iPhone, free)

Ever wanted to look up a person's profile on the spot?

Presenting Refresh, the free app that allows you to search a person by name and get their details via their social media profiles, whether it be Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.

While it probably won't be that refreshing to the con artists of the world (or those who enjoy their privacy), it's a great tool for those who need to look up a businessperson's proposal on the spot or wants to get the skinny on that attractive member of the opposite sex during speed dating (not that anybody does that…).

Who knows, you may find some common interests with this person.

Refresh is also working on a version for Android.

WalkJogRun (iPhone, $4.99)

For the workout warriors, WalkJogRun has received sterling reviews for its practicality and accuracy.

WalkJogRun boasts 1.8 million running routes worldwide, and it claims to have the most accurate iPhone GPS on the planet.

Not only is this app helpful for those who want to explore more great trails in the wilderness, it can also be helpful for busy cities like Los Angeles that aren't exactly bike or run-friendly.

WalkJogRun even works with Bluetooth, and it also counts steps for iPhone 5S users.

On top of that, there are 23 free training plans and a wide array of exercise articles included.

Wi-Fi Finder (iPhone, Android, free)

The free Wi-Fi Finder from JiWire has been around for a few years, but the current version (2.9.8) has received much better reviews than previous versions collectively.

The iPhone and Android app—which now scans more than 650,000 locations in 144 countries worldwide—has appeared to fix a lot of the bugs that bothered users before. Based on more than 1,100 ratings, it has received a solid four out of five stars, compared to the 2.5 stars all previous versions were given.

The accuracy seems to be getting better, and there is no denying the value in finding Wi-Fi wherever your travel.

BONUS: Just Landed (iPhone, $1.99)

Just Landed updates airplane arrival times, flight status changes and nearby traffic status, making this a great app for those landing and those picking them up.

You can text back and forth with who is going to pick you up based on the app, making the pickup seamless and easy. After all, there is nothing worse than a) waiting around at an airport for hours and b) driving around the airport in circles waiting for someone to finally land (as you probably have already noticed, if you park for longer than about one minute you are shooed away by the parking police).

The app's accuracy and interface have also received applause from travelers.

Have a great app you want to share with the world? Email me at rrudnansky@travalliance.com, and follow me on Twitter @RyanRudnansky.

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